Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama praised India for its rich heritage that encourages non-violence and compassion.
While interacting with students, faculty members and other staffers of the IIM-Rohtak via video-conferencing during a live online session- ‘Facing Challenges with Compassion and Wisdom,’ and stated that India is a country with thousands of years of a tradition that promotes Ahimsa and Karuna.
The Dalai Lama also expressed his gratitude for speaking with his Indian friends as people of many religions coexist together here.
“I believe that India is a living example of religious harmony across the world. Now, the western world too realises that the Indian way of life is the best for maintaining world peace and harmony.”
During the interaction he motivated students not to focus on what they can get rather what they can give. He further mentioned that while materialism is on rise in the rest of the world, modern India should continue to show compassion for those who do not have enough.
“We need to rekindle our own age-old traditions of ‘ahimsa’ and ‘karuna’ to create a peaceful and joyful environment and show the world the path of tolerance, thoughtfulness and compassion,” he stated.
Responding to one of the question by IIM student, Dalai Lama preached them to learn how to co-exist peacefully not just with people but with nature also.
“Show consideration for other individuals, not just for ourselves, but for the environment, for everybody on this planet to coexist,” he said.
Talking about his affection for India, he said, “I was born in Tibet. The culture of Tibet is highly based on Buddhism and more specifically, on Nalanda tradition. I have been staying in India for many decades now. I really enjoy Indian freedom and religious harmony. Thus, culturally, I really feel I am an Indian.”
Apart from this, earlier this week Dalai Lama also discussed the impact of Chinese expansionist policies on the world with Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat.